As sports holidays begin in Sweden, heavy traffic is expected on roads for four weeks, worsened by winter slipperiness and stressed travelers heading to the mountains. Traffic safety expert Malte Burwick warns that unprepared drivers risk accidents. He offers advice on planning, equipment, and safe driving.
Sports holidays have begun in Sweden, and over the next four weeks, heavy pressure is anticipated on the roads. Difficult winter conditions with slippery ice, stressed mountain-bound travelers, and dense traffic heighten accident risks, according to traffic safety expert Malte Burwick, head of Atentis, an organization dedicated to improving road safety.
Burwick stresses the importance of thorough planning. "It is important to plan the trip and avoid stress. For example, one should not be pressured by any check-in time or similar," he says. He recommends sticking to major roads like motorways or those with median barriers, where de-icing is often better and speed cameras are present.
Further advice includes even weight distribution in the vehicle, especially in slippery conditions, to prevent imbalance. Drivers should be well-rested: "It is so obvious, but it is still often neglected," Burwick notes. On winter roads, speed must be reduced below the posted limit to minimize risks, and maintaining an extra-large following distance is essential. "Take it to the upper end with the distance. The unexpected can happen in a fraction of a second, and if one is not prepared, it can be over."
If an accident occurs, proper equipment is crucial. Burwick advises carrying a warning triangle, first aid kit, reflective vests, flashlight, and blankets in the car. "It can be extremely dangerous to be forced to stop on the road without signaling properly."
These tips aim to reduce accidents during the intense holiday traffic, when many families travel to ski resorts in challenging weather.
